Cape Town - The Nigeria Football Federation have defended the decision to reappointment Steven Keshi as the national side's head coach, calling him Nigerian football hero.
Despite the decision being widely expected, the announcement of Keshi's retention as Super Eagles coach was met with mixed reactions.
Many are concerned he no longer has what it takes to lead Nigeria to glory after failing to help them qualify for the 2015 African Cup of Nations tournament.
However, the NFF has rejected those claims, saying anyone who did not believe Keshi was good enough had a very short memory span.
"Keshi is a quintessential Nigerian football hero having brought glory to our dear country as a player, captain of the National Team and as a coach of the Super Eagles," said NFF first vice president Seyi Akinwunmi.
"He does have a winning pedigree and despite our failure to qualify for the 2015 AFCON, we must remember that he has succeeded with the Super Eagles before and is one of our more experienced Nigerian coaches with vast international football experience and therefore remains a champion for the development our indigenous coaches.
"Those who allege that he does not have the technical acumen to make the Eagles soar again must have a very short memory," he concluded.